In what could become one of the most talked about rezoning requests of the year, JWA Ventures II, LLC of Montgomery, AL is proposing a new grocery store, commercial out parcels, and a residential subdivision on 103.56 acres at the northeast corner of state route 81 and North Ola Road. The property’s eastern boundary aligns with Keys Ferry Road.

The applicant is proposing to build the following:

grocery store development, including a not yet named anchor tenant and adjacent shops, totaling 70,887 square feet of building space on 11.49 acres

three commercial out parcels in front of the proposed grocery store on 3.38 acres

an additional 5.97 acres of commercial development along the highway 81 frontage

104 single-family residential lots on 62.85 acres

The planned residential component includes ninety-two lots at the R-2 on sewer development standards (22,000 square foot lots) and an additional twelve lots at the R-2 development standards (30,000 square feet). Minimum home size is not specified. The residential density equals 1.5 net units per acre.

The not yet announced grocer would compete against Publix at Lake Dow in the Ola area. (applicant photo)

The rezoning request is supported by the county’s future land use map, which designates the property for mixed use development. The property is located within the highway corridor overlay ensuring quality design standards for the project. Planning staff have recommended approval with five conditions. The staff report is available to view here.

Because the property is located along a state highway, Henry County does not require a traffic impact study. The developer will work with the county and Georgia DOT to preserve right of way for a future widening of highway 81 to four lanes.

The rezoning request will be presented to the zoning advisory board on Thursday, March 28, at 6:30 pm. Meetings are held at the Henry County Administration Building in McDonough. A second public hearing will be held during a board of commissioners meeting at a later date to make the final decision.

Moving Henry Forward is a local blog that strives to inform residents about transportation projects and pending rezoning requests. Consider following us on social media to stay up to date with ourcontent:Facebook|Twitter| Instagram

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Published by Clayton

Clayton Carte is the founder and editor of Moving Henry Forward. The blog focuses on transportation projects and land use planning within Henry County. Clayton graduated from Ola High School and attends Clayton State University studying political science. His goals include working as an urban planner and encouraging others to engage with local government.
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4 thoughts on “New grocery store proposed in Ola”

No one in Ola is happy about this. We do not want a grocery store in Ola, and are disappointed in the board for approval. This development will be located close to our elementary school and will jeopardize the safety of our children. We have to live here so we should have a say in what is allowed to happen in our community.

I respectfully disagree with your statement that “no one in Ola is happy about this.” Quite a few residents have expressed support for the project.
Residents do have a say in their community. The comprehensive land use plan, adopted in October 2018, was developed with extensive public outreach and public meetings over a yearlong process. Residents also had input at the ballot box in November when they re-elected Commissioner Gary Barham, an Ola resident, to another term.